The Current team is always looking out for under-the-radar artists, and to share our discoveries with you.

As an absolute music fanatic and now five-year host/producer of The Local Show, I continue to be inspired by the ingenuity and diversity of our scene. We were also inspired by the hundreds of local artists who wrote music in response to January's political turmoil.

Musicians here are hungry to explore sounds, support other creators, expand their taste levels, create compelling lyrics and melodies, perform with passion, and strengthen their levels of musicianship. These lists provide just a small, yet irresistible insight into what the newest Minnesota music is made of.

Vote in The Current's Top 89 poll by Monday, Nov. 16, and you’ll be entered for a chance to win a pair of coveted tickets to both nights of Brandi Carlile: Burn the Setlist (The All Request Tour) taking place Tuesday, Nov. 17, and Wednesday, Nov. 18, at the State Theatre in downtown Minneapolis.

We also want to hear from YOU! What are some of your favorite local songs of 2026? Let us know in the comments.

STANDOUT MINNESOTA SONGS OF 2026

"Who Is She to You" by Laamar

"Supersize" by Megasound

"Wrong Things" by Bunny Blood

"OKAY!" By LASALLE

"Arctic" by Porch Light

"CARE 4 YOU" by papa mbye

"Ashes and Smoke" by Anna Graves

"Daughter of Empire" by Humbird

"Back to My Love" by Leslie Perez

"I Told You So" by Durry

"Sunrise on the Absaroke" by Wild Horses

"Paper Thin" by she's green

"Good, Real" by Ber

"The Rot" by Mother Soki

"Fin Thread" by Ideas by AB

"kevinkevinkevin" by student 1

"Artificial Stars" by Ultrabomb

"MAYBE ITS GONNA BE ALRIGHT" by sahn

"Stallions" by jeremy messersmith

"Pray It'll Go Away" by clovers daughter

STANDOUT MINNESOTA ALBUMS OF 2026

Swallowtail by she's green

JAKAARLO by papa mbye

Hush by Porch Light

The In Between by Wild Horses

Megasound by Megasound

Good, Like It Should be by Ber

Sanctuary Park by The Jayhawks

HELLHOUND by VIAL

HELL by Nur-D

Rooming House by Charlie Parr